Rob Lowe to leave 'Brothers & Sisters'

After four seasons as Sen. Robert McCallister, Rob Lowe is leaving "Brothers & Sisters." ABC confirmed the news, but neither the network nor Lowe's spokesman offered details on how many episodes he will have left to finish.

Signs have slowly pointed toward a Lowe exit. Robert's heart attack last season had viewers speculating his impending death. Last week's announcement that Robert would not run for re-election left the fate and purpose of the character in question. Lowe's addition to the cast after guest-starring in the show's first season boosted ratings, and even though Lowe has excelled at meaty storylines and scenes with Calista Flockhart, Matthew Rhys and Sally Field, Robert has always remained a peripheral character.

In short, I'm not surprised he's leaving. However, it seems that although his run on "Brothers & Sisters" is over, his relationship with ABC is not. "We would like to keep Rob at ABC," said network president Steve McPherson in a statement. "We feel he should be anchoring his own franchise. We are in talks now."

With Robert's and Kitty's relationship stronger than ever after her illness, I don't see how else the show can write off the character other than killing him. We'll just have to wait and see how it develops, but feel free to comment on how you'd like to see Robert exit the show.

-- Enid Portuguez

Photo: Rob Lowe. Credit: ABC

Comments

[Ak5]

I think it is a HUGE mistake to let him go!!! He is extremely talented, and he should be given a more intricate role. I hope they see the light and offer him what he deserves to keep him on.

[Chrissy Walters]

I am soo very sad to hear that Rob Lowe is leaving... He is one of the big reasons I love that show... he is a beautiful beautiful man and such a big part of the show..... I guess he is the one that is going to die off this sunday in the car accident.... Well I sure hope ABC find another show to put him on because I will need my weekly fix :)

[Becky]

I love Rob Lowe's character. He is such a charismatic person and a great asset to the show. I commend the writers of the show. Some of the dinners and conversation remind me of my own family. It is hilarious and well written. There are couples who do stay together in real life and I hope the same for Robert and Kitty. Firstly, I would try to get Rob Lowe to stay. If that doesn't work, then do not let him do anything illegal. Thirdly, NO DIVORCE. I hate to see him die. Maybe he could have plastic surgeon after an accident, but he has big shoes to fill. I'm not sure who you could get that would be as good.

[Cathy]

I realize that Rob Lowe is an accomplished actor but his track record with TV shows are not the greatest. Why can't actors stick with something when it's good. Look at George from Grey's Anatomy. Haven't seen him anywhere. Anthony Edwards from ER etc...ABC has a good drama going on, why mess with it Rob. You have a steady job, something a lot of people right now would treasure.

[Karen]

I don't want Rob Lowe to leave Brothers and Sisters either; he was a great asset to the show from the beginning. IF he has to go, and since he had one heart attack, I think he should exit by having a heart attack that he dies from. That way it'll follow the storyline. I don't think I'd want to see them replace him with another actor because depending on who they got, he couldn't hold a candle to Rob!
PLEASE reconsider and keep Rob on; just spice up his character!

[Shannon]

I love Brothers and Sisters! I am sad to hear Rob is leaving..I really enjoyed him on the show.The entire cast is excellent, the writing has improved drastically from the first season and he is so nice to look at..what a bummer.

[Julia]

I love Brothers and Sisters but I do not like the focus on the gay couples. I love when they unite as a family and struggle with family problems, but the gay scene are totally unnecessary.
I love Robert and will hate to see him leave. The wholesomeness of Robert with his wife is why I love the show.
Please get back to having a good family show.

[beedee]

Rob should be killed in an auto accident this next episode. The mother of he and Kitty's child should come back and gain custody now that there are not two parents to raise him. Kitty becomes the independent single woman with high ambitions she started with on the show. Give that youngest kid a career and make him a man!!

[deb]

I Love the show-and I really hate to see Rob Lowe go.

[wallis]

he was the biggest reason i watched the show - i liked his character

[Rhonda]

LoOOOOOVE this show....I think most of us can really relate to the family dramas, but Rob Lowe leaving? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO he is so articulate and incredibly handsome...the whole package. Sorry to see him go, but yes would be good on Desperate Housewives, but what about Grey's Anatomy as McEverything or McToDieFor? Parks and REcreation is just not a high enough caliber show for someone with his talent-maybe HE will bring it up though! I also agree that the Gay scenes are a bit too much. I love everything abut the show except that and if they get any more vivid and saucey than they are right now I will absolutely stop watching...don't want to see any more from a heterosexual couple on tv even!

[Michael Lee]

I don't think they should kill Rob Lowe off at all. I think they should get rid of Kitty instead!! She is so annoying, looks like a little boy and talks like an uppity priss. She is a horrible actress. Even though she is one of the siblings, send her off somewhere and keep him, he is excellent and one of the big reasons LOTS of people keep/kept watching the show.

And for the love of God, could you quit having so many things revolve around people having babies or getting cancer. It is getting so over done on all shows. Boring. Especially to the age group that watches this show. That either don't have/want kids or are grown and down with raising them. And then you have them cured from a serious illness in one episode and then constantly drinking alcohol, get real. It's almost a mockery of how serious an illness cancer really is.

[Christine Huang]

So sorry to see Rob Lowe leave this amazing series. He will be missed!

[Patti Dillon]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ROB LOWE. DON'T KILL HIM OFF. KEEP HIM ON THE SHOW. I LOVE THAT KITTY AND ROB HAVE FINALLY FOUND HAPPY GROUND AND COMFORTABLE TOGETHERNESS. HE IS ONE OF THE REASONS I WATCH THIS SHOW!!!
Patti

[Ellie]

I can't believe Rob Lowe has left the show, he was our favourite character and vastly underused. The show won't be the same anymore!!:-( It was the same when he left the West Wing.

[Annie Cole]

Give J Eddie Peck the chance to make a come back. The best looking actor in America. Please God, don't let him be forgotten. Call him, cast him. give him back to America as he is the star. Annie Cole